Keiko Rakin, Madison Kang, and Emily Huang (L-R) continue to build their leadership skills and outreach as part of Congresswoman Judy Chu’s Congressional Youth Advisory Council.
Article by Natalie Tee Gaither
Three outstanding students from Alhambra Unified School District (AUSD) have been selected to join Congresswoman Judy Chu’s Congressional Youth Advisory Council (CYAC) for the 2024-2025 school year. Representing each of AUSD’s high schools, these students have demonstrated strong leadership abilities as members of AUSD’s Student Advisory Council (SAC) and will now serve as youth advisors to the Congressmember.
The students named to the CYAC are also members of AUSD’s Student Advisory Council (SAC). Keiko Rakin is a junior at Alhambra High School. She is AUSD’s current student board member and SAC chairperson. She was also recently elected as the CYAC president. Madison Kang is a senior at Mark Keppel High School. She is the student board member alternate and the vice chairperson for SAC. Emily Huang is a freshman at San Gabriel High School. This is her first year on SAC and she is already making an impressive impact on AUSD. All three students took the initiative to submit their applications on their own.
The Congressional Youth Advisory Council is an initiative intended to engage young people in the political process by giving them a platform to voice their concerns and ideas about key issues affecting their communities. The council members work closely with Representative Chu and her team, providing valuable perspectives on local and national issues.
“I believe that our youth is capable of changing the world, and have the power to make a difference today. This is why I created my Congressional Youth Advisory Council, to provide a platform where they can express their thoughts on issues currently facing our country,” explains Chu. “I am already impressed with their passion and impressive dedication to their community. I am looking forward to what our young leaders will do, and the differences they’ll be making.”
For Keiko, Madison, and Emily, the Congressional Youth Advisory Council will provide a unique opportunity to continue their leadership journey, develop their political understanding, and create positive change at their schools, as well as in the broader community. As SAC members, they have already proven to be dedicated advocates for their AUSD peers, and now they will bring that leadership, passion, and commitment to a larger audience.
